Mermaid and the Ice Cube Necklace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Making learning fun!
This colourful scientific tale was a delight to read. Aimed at early childhood readers, the bright illustrations and simple language convey an important science lesson. Interwoven is also a message of friendship and trust. A beautiful resource for a home or school library.
Deadly Sommer by Nicholas Harvey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Thrilling suspense
This unexpected find has blown me away. I absolutely loved this book – it had everything a reader could ask for – amazing relatable characters, a fast moving unpredictable plot line, drama, action and excellent world building. This is a first from this author for me, and I can’t wait to read more. Highly recommend.
Captivated by Toya Richardson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Captivated: Hybrid Love follows Angelina as she finds herself in a spicy love triangle between two brothers. Long before she was born, the Fates set her soul to be destined to these two men for the rest of her existence. It is her love that will help these two men be able to fight demons and send them back to where they came from. The three of them need each other to survive. The way they receive each other’s love is spicy in every way.
This is only my second smut book I’ve ever read. Without experience in this genre, this book is well written. It delivers in every way that one would hope while looking for something a bit more erotic in thier reading life. I think if you’re looking to dive into a mystical creature love triangle with life threatening stakes, this would be the book for you! I liked the idea of the plot and enjoyed the creativity the author put into the story. I can say this book isn’t for me. I don’t think smut is my genre. However, I think it would be someone’s five golden star if this is their genre of choice! Ain’t no shame in the sexy game!
The Mind-Reading Hat: Invisible Magic Wand Book Six by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An Unusual Unbirthday gift
This is the 6th book in the Invisible Magic Wand series. Such a magical picture story book that would suit early childhood readers. The illustrations are well done and the storyline creative and engaging. Caspian is a character that children can relate with and who wouldn’t want a hat that can read minds! Another brilliant book to add to the collection.
Everything to Me by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Quick fun read
This is a sports based, best friend’s little sister romance book. It was a quick read for me. It had a decent base of a story but seemed to lose traction a bit towards the middle and then took off again. The attraction at times didn’t sizzle as much as I thought it could. (I do enjoy a bit of steam in my books). Kendall and Pete are a great couple and I really loved the dual POV. Overall a good read for a lazy afternoon.
Captivated by Toya Richardson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Paranormal, hybrids, passion and fated mates
This was a smorgasbord of steamy delight for fantasy romance fans. This had a little bit of everything all rolled into one. The first part of the book took a little bit to get into, especially the chapters from the brother’s point of view. Then I felt a shift and I was fully vested in the characters and their story, especially Angelina. This is my first book from author and it was written very well. Looking forward to continuing this series.
As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Sweet, clean romance story
This is a story about soul searching for ‘the one’. I enjoyed the writing and the storyline. Bree is an overly conscientious character, that comes across a bit obsessive and selfish at times. This did make her a bit more real. Poor Nate had his work cut out for him. I enjoyed this book and following Bree as she navigates love.
Everything to Me by Lauren Fraser
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book I have read from this author and she has a new fan.This is the second book from the Playing For Keeps series. This book can be read as a stand alone but there are previous characters in this story as well. I love a good sports romance but this story exceeded my expectations. These characters will draw you in right from the beginning. This book was so addictive I read it in only a day. I can’t wait to see who she will write about next.
Kendall Graves has had a crush on her big brother’s best friend ever since she was a teenager. She thinks he is so beautiful and now he is a famous ball player. Kendall is so excited when she finds out she is going to stay with Pete for a week. She wants to see if there is something that she knows she feels. Kendall and Pete form an agreement about having some fun for the week but will it turn into more?
review @heatherbass
The Day the Librarian Saved the Galaxy by Stephenie Wilson Peterson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a cute story that my grandchildren loved. They had me reading it over and over. I always enjoyed the library and reading so this cute book gave me joy just as much as my grandchildren
When smelly aliens from Planet Wart invade Orchard Ridge Elementary School with plans to steal mysterious goo from the cafeteria and use it to spaghettify the Milky Way. It will take two elementary students and an elderly librarian must save the galaxy.
Tracy
@tracym
A Long Kiss Goodbye by H.D. Thomson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Brilliant Suspense paranormal
This is my first book by this author and the second book in the series. Though I didn’t feel like I was missing anything, I must go back and read the first. I was totally gripped from start to finish, the characters, world building and story line were well executed. The book has a dark, edgy feel with twists and turns that was very appealing. Recommend.
Flame and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
So, I may start letting some time filter through before reviewing some books because I’m a little miffed at the ending…. I mean, come on!
This read…. Chloe is not your typical main character. She’s a little weak, a lotta insecure and she stumbles more than Ella Enchanted does; but, she is understandably relatable. That selfess motivation to help those around you does have a tendency to wear you down and some of those enlightening moments really stuck with me. I really enjoyed that theme throughout this book.
This series is a spin off series from the author’s Court of Bitter Thorn series. I think I would have fared better having read the other series previously, but I fared decent during my read. Quintus is a fae from the fae realm that shows up randomly needing Chloe’s help. There is some definite tension from a history that isn’t completely conveyed throughout this series; so I spent a good moment wondering what I missed.
I can’t count how many times my brain said “Go Quintus!” while reading, despite not know the full story. I’m definitely team Quintus!
A pretty slow burn book with forced proximity, a good morality and a cliff hanger ending that will take me a minute to get over. Where’s book 2?
Exit Strategy by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fiery action and finale
The fifth and final book in a brilliant series. I have loved and engrossed with every single page of this book and the whole series. The characters, world building and storyline have been superb. With suspense, shifters, action and even an apocalypse this book had it all. Totally recommend but you must start from book 1.
Slash & Burn by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Action, suspense and shifters
Another fantastic instalment in the Nite Fire series. This is book 4 and the brilliance continues. Dahlia Nite, 1/2 dragon shifter has so much more on her plate as she navigates the ‘things that go bump’ in the night and desperately tries to stop the blight. The author brings so much more to the story as twists and turns has the reader making links across previous books. This series must be read from book 1 to really connect the dots. Now onto book 5, Exit Strategy.
Smoke & Mirrors by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fantastical brilliance
Absolutely love this series. The writing is spot on with a mix of paranormal, action and fantasy drama. This is the third book in the series and is just as brilliant as the previous two books. Best to read them in order as it does help to know the backstory and the characters more deeply. Dahlia Nite is a strong, talented and relatable FMC with snark. In this story she is faced with complex cases, unraveling lies and encroaching doom. So much going on and delivered seamlessly. Bring on book 4.
The True Purpose of Vines by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book I have read from this author and now she has a new fan. I’m starting to love historical romances and this author made me like them even more. This is the first book of the series The Winemakers and I can tell this is going to be an addictive series. I could not put this book down until the end. I can’t wait to see what she will write about next.
Julia Costa is known as the best winemaker around. She is happy with her life until her husband dies. Julia is now left with a debt that she can’t pay. She is not going to fall for the handsome guy that she owes money to either. Julia will find a way to keep her land and wine. She starts to get to know Griffin and he is not a bad guy after all. Will Julia find a way to take back her life or will she have to start a new one?
Review by @heatherbass
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Flame and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Magical faerie adventures
Absolutely loved this book. Chloe is a strong character and has quite an entertaining relationship with the Fae. This is a fast paced read, brilliantly written and engaging from start to finish. I didn’t realise that it was a spin off from another series, The Fae of Bitter Thorn, but now I am keen to read that series too. With action, suspense, Fae, magic and a touch of romance this book is an absolute winning read. Really need book 2 now!
Midnight Magic by Gina Kincade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Magical collection
A stand out in this collection was Witch Switch. This was a fast paced short story that grabs you from the start. Everything unfolds fairly quickly but the author has a way of including all the necessary details. The characters were easily relatable and the world building well done. I enjoyed the twists and magical adventure of the story. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
The Scent of Gardenias by Lorraine Haas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Historical coming of age fiction
A wonderful journey with relatable characters and exceptional world building. This book is based in the 1940s and follows Margaret as she grows from a teenager to a young woman. Politics, war, inequality, affairs and death this story covers it all. Highly emotional and thought-provoking, I was quickly swept along for the ride. The author has delivered an exceptional story.
Reigning Hearts: The Complete Series by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Brilliant box set
This is a wonderful compilation of 5 books based in the quaint town of Cold Creek.
Book 1
Run to the Sea
A heartfelt love story of two souls searching and finding their happily ever after. Thomas needs to discover what is important and Emmy needs to face feelings from the past. I adore Thomas and Emmy. The author skilfully delivers a captivating second chance romance.
Book 2
Stars Fall from the Sky
Love, loss and finding happiness again. This book had it all. My heart broke and soared as Ginger navigated all life threw at her. Jonathan also had to work through his grief. The author once again brings out all the feels.
Book 3
A Sun so bright
Different worlds collide
A billionaire Princess hires a bartender to be her fake boyfriend. Discovery, desire and destiny. Cold Creek didn’t shine through as much in this instalment in the series but the journey that Fiona and Chris went on was enthralling nonetheless.
Book 4
I’ll see you again
Nicky’s story comes to light when a rockstar meets a wedding planner. This was a highly emotional read and really pulls at the heartstrings. Such a roller coaster of a journey. Opposites do attract but not without some road blocks along the way. A wonderful instalment to the series.
Book 5
A Cold Creek Christmas
Sweet small town romance
This was a beautifully written romance based in Cold Creek. Amber struggles with Christmas and Gio loves the season. The author delivers a wonderfully heartfelt story and as always makes the reader feel as though they are within the pages. I could feel the atmosphere of the town and magic of Christmas. Highly recommend.
Toby: The (Mostly) True Story of a Former Bad Dog by Stephenie Wilson Peterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Cute sweet story for dog lovers (and more)
I adored this story, it had me in stitches. Toby is a gorgeous character who is battling against his feline neighbour. He is so easy to love and his ‘voice’ is one that kids will easily relate to. The author has written in a way that is accessible for children transitioning into chapter books. There is also an underlying message of honesty and trust. This would make a great addition to a home or classroom library.
Bake Off by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Magical baking
Book two in the Bake Believe trilogy – Cat and Robyn are up to more crazy mischief. Their magical baking is becoming stronger and family secrets are being uncovered. The story is a fun read with twists and magical mayhem that I have come to expect from this author. The story takes off from book 1, so it does help to read that first. This is aimed at anyone from early teens and up that loves magic and baking. More great recipes in this book too. Bring on book 3.
Taming of the Few by Christy Nicholas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Fantasy at its best
This was a brilliant first book in the Guardians of PHAE series. Based in the wonderful setting of Ireland I was taken on an epic journey filled with magical talents and gripping action. The author weaves a tale based in fantasy but still has everyday issues such as prejudice, racism and mental health. I connected quickly with the characters and I thoroughly enjoyed the multiple POV. I eagerly await book two. Highly recommend.
